The award-winning National Self Build and Renovation Centre is UK’s only permanent visitor centre dedicated to supporting self builders and renovators through their real-life projects. Since opening their doors in January 2007 they have welcomed almost 250,000 self builders, developers, renovators and home improvers. The National Self Build & Renovation Centre is home to over 200 permanent exhibitors, chosen for their respected and relevant offering, and their knowledge and understanding of the self build and renovation community. Acting like a shopping centre for self build and renovation enthusiasts, visitors are asked to fill in a questionnaire that summarises their project that they are working on. This then leads to visitors being issued a scanner which allows them to scan for information from the exhibitors.
The heavy footfall had started to impact the natural slate floor in the entrance area and as part of their own renovation project, the team at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre were looking to have it restored. Part of the challenge was to remove the existing wax on the floor. Over the many years, as part of the cleaning regime, a wax had been applied to protect the natural finish of the slate.
Periodic wax reapplication in a diluted quantity is part of our recommended cleaning regime.
However, if over applied or applied too often, this can lead to a build up that distracts from the natural beauty of the stone. For larger areas it is recommended
to have the stone professionally cleaned and protected every 18 months.
We attended the centre to undertake a sample area. With all slate projects it is beneficial to undertake a sample in order to ascertain the correct cleaning and stripping process.
In this case, much of the wax removal would need to be carried out by hand.
We undertook the work to restore the slate in the main reception area over 5 days.
Multiple applications of a solvent and alkaline based cleaning compounds were used to strip the topical sealants on the floor. The slate was then refinished using a 320 grit honing powder to restore the natural beauty of the tiles. A colour enhancing impregnating sealant was then applied to perfect the finish.
Harvey Fremlin, Managing Director of The National Self Build & Renovation Centre commented
“Our mission is to help people create better, sustainable homes and we are proud of welcoming many thousands of people through our doors, each year, who are embarking on their own projects to create beautiful homes. It is important to us to provide an outstanding visitor experience and we have invested significant sums in upgrading our lighting, décor and facilities in recent years.
Our large reception area features a stunning slate floor, which over time – with such a heavy footfall – had become dull and tired. We were introduced to Athena Stonecare by one of our exhibiting partners and from the first consultation, they demonstrated a real commitment to find the best solution for us.
It is fair to say the project, which also included treating our main visitor toilet floors, was a challenging one – with years of wax layers to be removed.
However Dave and his colleagues tackled the large area with equal measure of determination and skill, and the result was the re-emergence of our beautiful floor – which looks brand new again!
It gives a real ‘wow factor’ to everyone visiting the National Self Build & Renovation Centre and we would certainly highly recommend Athena Stonecare for both their service and their genuine expertise. Thank you!”
If you are undertaking your own renovation project, we highly recommend a visit to The National Self Build & Renovation Centre
Excellent, efficient and courteous service . My marble floor looks new and my bathroom walls look amazing. I’m really pleased with the work and the outcome. It only took one day to complete with minimum disruption. Would definitely recommend and will use again and again.
Dave and his partner fully deserve the five star rating. They did a perfect job, on time and on budget. The pool surround which, after 30 years of lime build-up, looked like mud, now, after Dave has worked his magic, looks beautiful again ,showing all the lovely colouring and striations. It’s a joy to see each morning.
We used Athena to refurbish a 20 year old limestone floor and granite worktops. The floor was very scratched and damaged in a few places, and the granite needed some TLC. David and Terry spent a full day working on both and we're delighted with the results. Its saved us a very expensive and messy job in having the floor replaced. They worked professionally and tidily and gave us some really helpful advice about other stonework we are considering. We would definitely recommend!
"Outstanding results, it’s like having a brand new floor. Dave & his team managed to clean & lighten the 40+ years old sandstones from dark grey to beige. They were so effective, discreet & organised on their 2 days work and very patient with my numerous questions."
We truly appreciate you accommodating this for us on such short notice. You’re just the best team for the job, and your knowledge on the subject is incredible.
I had a double sink marble surround which was in really bad shape, Athena Stonecare got it back to practically new. I’d had a few different companies give me quotes and these guys were the most professional and competitive on their price. Really pleased.
